Press Releases

HVAC Moves Eight Bills Out of Committee

Today, Chairman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs passed eight bills out of committee:

“As we approach Veterans Day, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is reaffirming its commitment to put veterans first. The eight bills passed out of committee this morning will help us take better care of America’s heroes by ensuring veterans in crisis have access to effective resources, expanding care for veterans in need of an organ transplant and making it easier for student veterans to get off-campus housing.

“I’m disappointed we weren’t able to reach an agreement to extend the presumption of exposure for Agent Orange to include Blue Water Navy Veterans. Six months ago, when this bill was considered at a legislative hearing, I asked for offset ideas from my colleagues who have concerns about using the round down on cost-of-living adjustments. This offset would amount to less than a dollar per month in a COLA adjustment for some veterans while extending critical benefits to others.

“I have spoken to many veterans who said they would be willing to give up less than a dollar a month to do right by Blue Water Navy veterans, and I imagine many veterans around the country feel the same way.”